Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and autoimmune disease which affects the Central Nervous System. In particular, it attacks the myelin sheath that surrounds and protects the nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord. As a result, messages from the brain may be interrupted and not communicated well. Myelin is slow to regenerate, so lesions form in areas of reduced myelin which cause permanent interference in the communication process. MS is more prevalent in developed, Western countries, and those farthest from the equator, more common in women than men, and often appears between the ages of 29-33. The cause of the disease is currently unknown, but a number of theories exist.
Environment
Evidence exists that a virus, or other microbe or toxin may be a factor in the onset of MS in genetically susceptible individuals. Toxins can include environmental chemicals and pesticides or X-rays and some research supports an association between mercury containing dental amalgams and MS. One study reported that people with MS who had their mercury containing amalgams removed experienced fewer relapses than those who retained their fillings, while another study showed an increased risk for MS in people with a greater number of fillings that had been in place for a long time.
Diet and Nutrition
EPA and DHA are the essential fatty acids known as omega-3’s. They are found in highest quantities in fish and fish oils and they exert powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, DHA is found in very high concentrations in the brain, but markedly less so in the brains of people with MS. Omega-6 oils such as vegetable oils should ideally be consumed in a 1:1 ratio to omega-3s from fish. In this country we consume 6-15 times the amount of omega-6s than omega-3s which can lead to chronic inflammatory diseases.
Over 60 years ago, Dr. Roy Swank discovered that modulating the fat in the diet of MS patients, both in terms of quantity and type of fat could reduce disease progression, and alleviate symptoms. Based on these findings he developed a dietary protocol which includes a daily dose of 5 grams of Cod Liver oil, inclusion of controlled amounts of vegetable based oils like sunflower, and the avoidance of hydrogenated oils and saturated fats. The choice of fats is important since some lipids promote inflammation while others reduce it. Of note, Swank’s diet prohibits coconut oil-a saturated fat- yet coconut is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be the exception to the “no saturated fat” rule.
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are produced in the body as a normal result of human biochemistry and are a key component in inflammation and damage to neurons. They are often elevated in MS. Antioxidant rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs and wine contain polyphenols and carotenoids which reduce inflammation and manage these dangerous free radicals. Some of the most active compounds are catechins (green tea), quercetin (apples, wine, onion, citrus), resveratrol (red wine, peanuts, dark grapes, chocolate, berries), curcumin (curry), and lycopene (tomato, watermelon, pink grapefruit). All these foods and food compounds have a place in a diet for MS.
Foods such as gluten and dairy are known to increase inflammation in susceptible individuals. MS patients show increased markers for gluten sensitivity and a higher incidence of dairy intolerance than the general population. It is prudent for MS sufferers to remove these foods from their diet, and replace them with safer but nutritious alternatives. Each person may be reactive to a variety of foods in addition to gluten and casein, so a food sensitivity test should be a part of any MS work-up.
Vitamin D is produced naturally by the body with adequate exposure to UVB rays, which are harder to get the farther one lives from the tropics. Geographical patterns of MS incidence conform to that of regions with less sunlight exposure and Vitamin D availability to the population. In fact, MS is 8 times more prevalent in Northern climates than in those living close to the equator. Not only does epidemiological data support a relationship between MS and Vitamin D, but research bears this out as well. In one study, patients given high dose Vitamin D3 supplements suffered fewer relapses than those taking only 1000IU daily.
L-carnitine is a protein related nutrient that helps cells produce energy. It is depleted by some MS medications, which are known to induce fatigue, further exacerbating a common symptom. Supplementing with L-carnitine can decrease the intensity of this fatigue.
Multiple Sclerosis Mimicry
The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, including fatigue, pins and needles in the extremities, and balance and gait issues are similar to those of MS, while there is an increased risk of B12 deficiency in people with MS. The addition of B12 to the treatment plan can relieve some symptoms and may promote the regeneration of myelin, so a B12 deficiency should be explored in any individual with a diagnosis of MS.
Another confounding factor in the treatment of MS is the possibility that Lyme disease may be the underlying problem. There is controversy in the scientific community as to whether Lyme disease and MS are actually manifestations of the same disorder. Both diseases involve the central nervous system, and attack the brain and spinal cord, resulting in similar symptoms. A symptomatic person may be unaware he was ever bitten by a tick, therefore anyone diagnosed with MS, should investigate the possibility that Lyme disease is actually the underlying problem.
While Multiple Sclerosis can be a debilitating problem, early intervention designed to remove possible environmental and microbial causes, while reducing inflammation through diet and nutrition can positively effect progression and relapse rates of this disease.
Submitted by Vicki Kobliner.